On 08-29-2012, at approximately 6:42 p.m., a house explosion occurred at 109 Sunny Valley Road in New Milford. The explosion completely destroyed the residence and resulted in the fatal injury of FRATINO, ANTHONY J. III (DOB: 09-26-64) and serious injuries to the homeowner, WILKINSON, JOHN (DOB: 11-29-65) and Fratino’s juvenile son.

The investigation conducted by the New Milford Fire Marshal’s Office, the New Milford Police Department, the Connecticut State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Connecticut State Police Fire & Explosion Investigation Unit has concluded that the explosion was the result of a liquid propane gas leak that occurred in the basement.

The cause of the leak was identified as an open, abandoned LP-Gas line that was not properly capped after a LP-Gas dryer was removed from the home approximately nine years prior to the incident.The LP-Gas line valve was inadvertently opened by contractors during the installation of a LP-Gas hot water heater and upgrading of the LP-Gas piping system, allowing LP-Gas to flow freely into the basement area.Upon investigation of the odor of LP-Gas by the homeowner and the contractor, an unidentified ignition source initiated the catastrophic explosion.

The incident has been determined to be an accident and no criminal charges will be filed.